Sprint confirms unlimited 3G data plans for iPhone

The rumor mill was right about at least one thing: Sprint is offering …

Sprint confirmed on Wednesday that it still plans to offer unlimited data on the iPhone 4 and 4S when they launch on the network next week. Speaking to All Things D, Sprint spokesperson Michelle Leff Mermelstein said the company will be offering a $69.99 per month plan that includes 450 voice minutes and unlimited data on its 3G network, confirming previous rumors about Sprint's plans for the iPhone.

AT&T was the first network in the US to begin offering the iPhone, followed almost four years later by Verizon. Both companies offered unlimited data on the device initially, but both have since eliminated these plans completely and have instead introduced capped, tiered data plans.

Now, with the addition of new player to the roster, Sprint is taking advantage of its position as the newbie to use uncapped plans as a form of competition. The company's decision to offer unlimited data plans to iPhone users is an ironic twist—Sprint actually does cap 3G data usage on its other devices at 5GB per month. Only its "4G"/WiMAX network users get unlimited data to ravage. (Although Sprint VP of 4G Todd Rowley has spoken publicly about potentially rolling out data caps on its WiMAX network one day, such a thing has yet to come to fruition.)

(Correction: we've been informed that this only applies to hotspot type devices. Phones have both unlimited 3G and 4G.)

Still, many of those in the US who are dying for a CDMA alternative to Verizon have been eyeing Sprint hopefully. Data caps or not, the company is poised to absorb some of the dissatisfied iPhone customers from its competitors.